Creamy Sundried Tomato Lentils for Easy Dinner
Creamy Sundried Tomato Lentils is a hearty, comforting dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes. The secret to this creamy texture is a simple roux and coconut milk. After making this many times, I discovered that the key to preventing a grainy texture is to blend half the lentils. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is better than takeout. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Italian Grinder Salad Sandwich and Easy Baked Sour Cream and Onion Chicken.
Why This Creamy Sundried Tomato Lentils for Easy Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Rich, creamy texture without dairy
- Packed with protein and fiber
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Better than takeout and freezes well
What You'll Need for Creamy Sundried Tomato Lentils for Easy Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Lentils
- Sundried tomatoes
- Coconut milk
- Onion
- Garlic
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Optional: Fresh parsley
- Optional: Crumbled feta
- Optional: Bread
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Lentils: Green or brown lentils work best.
- Coconut milk: Use full-fat for creamier lentils.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Instant Pot — Saves time and energy → See on Amazon
- Immersion blender — Prevents grainy texture → See on Amazon
How to Make Creamy Sundried Tomato Lentils for Easy Dinner
- Step 1: Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Step 2: Add lentils, spices, and water. Simmer until lentils are tender.
- Step 3: Blend half the lentils with coconut milk until smooth.
- Step 4: Combine blended and unblended lentils. Stir in sundried tomatoes and serve.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Creamy Sundried Tomato Lentils for Easy Dinner
- : For a smoother texture, blend all the lentils but be aware it will be thicker.
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the lentils or they'll become mushy. If they're too hard, add more water and cook longer.
- : Add a splash of lemon juice for a fresher flavor.
- : Top with your favorite toppings like fresh parsley or crumbled feta.
Storing & Reheating Creamy Sundried Tomato Lentils for Easy Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: This recipe can be made ahead and reheated.
Freezing Creamy Sundried Tomato Lentils for Easy Dinner
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
- Best substitution: Use canned tomatoes instead of sundried tomatoes for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the lentils and blend ahead of time. Reheat and add toppings before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the lentils are too thick, add more water or coconut milk and simmer until the desired consistency is reached.
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Creamy Sundried Tomato Lentils for Easy Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Lentils
- Sundried tomatoes
- Coconut milk
- Onion
- Garlic
Seasonings
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Optional Toppings
- Fresh parsley
- Crumbled feta
- Bread
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Step 2: Add lentils, spices, and water. Simmer until lentils are tender.
- Step 3: Blend half the lentils with coconut milk until smooth.
- Step 4: Combine blended and unblended lentils. Stir in sundried tomatoes and serve.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
- Best substitution: Use canned tomatoes instead of sundried tomatoes for a different flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the lentils and blend ahead of time. Reheat and add toppings before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the lentils are too thick, add more water or coconut milk and simmer until the desired consistency is reached.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Make ahead: This recipe can be made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 50g
- Fiber: 15g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 6g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Creamy Sundried Tomato Lentils for Easy Dinner FAQs
Yes, prepare the lentils and blend ahead of time. Reheat and add toppings before serving.
Blending half the lentils helps prevent a grainy texture. If they're still grainy, try blending all the lentils but be aware it will be thicker.
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Yes, cook on high pressure for 8 minutes with a natural release. Proceed with the recipe as written.
Serve with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Creamy Sundried Tomato Lentils for Easy Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
